Ofcom’s Cristina Luna-Esteban has recently criticized renowned UK ISPs including BT, Sky, TalkTalk, and VMO2, regarding delays in finalizing a launch date for the One Touch Switching (OTS) system. This creates a dilemma, as extended delays restrict consumers from accessing easy and simplified ISP switching. OTS, initiated by Ofcom to streamline provider switches, experiences technical complexities pushing its initial deadline, causing a concern echoed by Ofcom’s Lindsey Fussell.
LogRhythm, the company helping security teams stop breaches by turning disconnected data and signals into trustworthy insights, has expanded its partnership with e-finance, a subsidiary of e-finance Investment Group to deliver secure digital transformation in Egypt. The strategic expansion of the partnership sees the integration of LogRhythm into e-finance’s cloud computing platform. e-finance’s customers across critical industries including fintech, government, and healthcare gain access to LogRhythm SIEM to uncover threats, mitigate attacks, and scale their business with confidence.
Andrew Hollister, LogRhythm’s Chief Information Security Officer, highlights the ongoing struggle in cybersecurity: despite years of talk, the problem remains unsolved. Looking ahead to 2024, he points out challenges like the rise of generative AI and the need for better cloud security. He emphasizes that focusing on basics like strong passwords and regular updates is crucial for staying safe online.
In the United Kingdom, a significant transition is underway as the nation shifts from traditional analogue landline services to modern, IP-based digital systems. This change, mirroring a global trend towards digital communication solutions, aims to enhance service quality for the majority of consumers. However, it has raised concerns for certain vulnerable groups who depend on the older technology and may face challenges, particularly during power outages, which could impact their ability to reach emergency services.
In a significant move towards enhancing developer access to advanced network capabilities, Ericsson’s Vonage has teamed up with telecommunications giant Verizon. This collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, aims to integrate Verizon’s network APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) into the Vonage platform. This integration is expected to foster deeper consumer engagement and loyalty by enabling enterprises to offer a more seamless and enriched customer experience across various stages of the customer journey.
Bell Canada Enterprises is making significant cutbacks, revealing plans to eliminate 4,800 positions which make up 9% of their total workforce. Citing a need to adjust to declines in legacy businesses and a challenging macroeconomic environment, the company hopes this strategy will result in substantial cost savings. Additionally, Bell Media plans to relinquish over half of its radio stations deemed no longer viable.
In a significant development for global scientific collaboration, Aqua Comms has entered into a landmark agreement with the Energy Sciences Network (ESnet), granting a 15-year lease for a portion of its subsea cable spectrum that spans from New York to Dublin and London. This arrangement, covering 25% of a fiber pair, represents ESnet’s inaugural venture into Trans-Atlantic spectrum acquisition, underscoring its commitment to bolstering the data transmission capabilities essential for cutting-edge scientific research.
A recent analysis by the International Data Corporation (IDC) reveals an expected sharp increase in the shipment of AI-enabled personal computers (PCs) in the coming years. The study forecasts that the number of these specially equipped PCs, designed to handle generative AI tasks on their own without cloud assistance, will soar from approximately 50 million units in 2024 to over 167 million by 2027. This growth indicates that nearly 60% of all PC shipments globally will be AI PCs by the end of the projection period.
In an ambitious move to counteract the issue of network congestion within city environments, UK mobile operator Three has initiated a pioneering project in Glasgow, employing the advanced technology of Mavenir. The initiative focuses on the strategic placement of small cell units across the city to enhance urban connectivity, particularly in areas where 5G coverage is inconsistent.
In response to the soaring global demand for fast, secure connectivity, China Mobile International Limited (CMI) is significantly investing in four new submarine cable systems. These systems promise to robustly service the substantial growth in mobile data usage in quickly digitising regions such as Africa. However, as aging cables become outdated, the race is on for fresh investment to keep pace with customer needs and the rapid development of next-gen technologies.
